A neck subluxation is usually caused by trauma. In some cases, other contributing factors include poor posture, arthritis and even muscle spasms.
A subluxation is simply a partial dislocation but also includes jammed, deteriorated and impaired joints. Generally, spinal facet joints that are subluxated are not properly aligned, could not normally move, has poor blood supply and poorly transmits nerve information.
What are the usual causes of neck subluxation?
Trauma
Neck subluxation is typically brought about by trauma. Vehicular accidents, falls and sports injuries are the usual causes. In these forms of trauma, the neck is subjected to excessive extension and flexion. The neck is prone to injury since the skull functions as a 10-12-pound hinge that places significant force on the cervical spinal joints and moves them out of proper alignment.
If misaligned, neck subluxation can affect the adjacent blood flow, nerve function and muscle tension. It is important to note that the spinal neck joints can end up fully dislocated and broken with trauma, but subluxation is a common condition.
Arthritis
Neck subluxation due to minor to moderate arthritis can progress to instability with movement, but in severe cases of arthritis, it often results to fusion.
Poor posture
Poor posture can result to micro trauma over extended periods of time. The neck joints can become subluxated with excessive flexion, rotation or extension.
Being seated in a desk or work station often creates excess flexion which causes the natural curvature of the neck to reverse and force the upper 2 neck joints into irregular positions.
Facing down or sleeping in a prone position often creates too much rotation which causes significant torsion on the highest vertebra and the skull.
Muscular spasm
The muscle tension which leads to spasms due to continuous mental stress or physical effort also adds up to neck subluxation.
The neck muscle that ends up spasmodic due to exertion, stress or even a chill is the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Once the muscle spasms, it is known as acute torticollis.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on neck subluxation is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage the injury, register for a first aid and CPR course with Ottawa First Aid.